Method and system for combining seismic data and basin modeling

Abstract

Methods and computer-based systems are provided for processing seismic data through the use of information provided by basin modeling. Provided are methods and systems for providing an improved seismic dataset by means of providing an initial basin model constructed using an initially-available dataset including seismic velocity data; constructing a velocity dataset from the initial basin model; and reprocessing the initially available seismic data using the velocity dataset from the initial basin model as a guide. Also provided are methods and systems for predicting fluid pressure in a subsurface region of interest.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention concerns methods and systems for processing seismic data and basin modeling. A correct interpretation of the velocity field within the Earth is necessary to properly image seismic data at its true location and depth in the subsurface. This velocity field can be estimated by a number of methods, the most important and common being the analysis of stacking, or the roughly equivalent Normal Moveout (“NMO”), velocities on Common Midpoint (“CMP”) gathers. A number of other techniques are also used, including the use of multiple constant-velocity stacks of a small interval of the seismic line, signal coherency analysis of the velocity spectrum, horizon-consistent velocity analysis, the application of statics and residual statics corrections, migration velocity analysis and tomographic inversion techniques. In the absence of well data, these techniques rely on information that is contained within the seismic dataset itself for all of t...

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Problems solved by technology

In the presence of overpressures, seismic velocities are lower than would normally be expected at that depth, amplitudes are suppressed and the presence of multiple pressure compartments and ramps makes the interpretation of velocities from seismic alone difficult.

Below salt masses, high velocity high reflectivity interfaces and below rugose surfaces, the Earth filter removes significant amounts of the signal that again makes the analysis of velocities from seismic data alone difficult.

Below about 15,000′ (different depths in different basins), the seismic velocities are high and the frequency content of the recorded signal becomes lower, again making the velocity analysis of the data from seismic alone difficult.

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